686 CS1?

[Jester5906]

I was looking on the big auction site and I found this! It was just listed as a used 686. There were only seven bids including myself. Did I really find a CS1? It didn't come with box or papers. It's looks legit and the serial number starts with ANSxxxx. What do the experts say. If not a CS1, I think I still got a deal on a 686. I tried to post photos we will see if it worked. Thanks

 

[Texas Star]

I think it's legit. I saw the frame marking. The finish looks the correct satin or sandblasted.

As you said, either way, you have an exceptional general purpose revolver in the best all-round handgun caliber.

And that's no joke, Jester.

 

[one eye joe]

I was looking on the big auction site and I found this! It was just listed as a used 686. There were only seven bids including myself. Did I really find a CS1? It didn't come with box or papers. It's looks legit and the serial number starts with ANSxxxx. What do the experts say. If not a CS1, I think I still got a deal on a 686. I tried to post photos we will see if it worked. Thanks

WELCOME TO THE FORUM, Jester ! ! !

TO ME, THE REVOLVER APPEARS TO BE LEGIT. OBVIOUSLY, IT HAS NO "M" STAMP, SO I'M WONDERING IF IT WAS EVER IN SERVICE......

IN ANY EVENT, CONGRATULATIONS ON A GREAT SCORE......

 

[Green Dragoon]

TO ME, THE REVOLVER APPEARS TO BE LEGIT. OBVIOUSLY, IT HAS NO "M" STAMP, SO I'M WONDERING IF IT WAS EVER IN SERVICE......

IN ANY EVENT, CONGRATULATIONS ON A GREAT SCORE......

it almost looks like a faint M under the 1 of the CS1

 

[bamabiker]

it almost looks like a faint M under the 1 of the CS1

Correct, lightly struck but there.
Nice grab, OP.

 

[murphydog]

Yes, it has the thinner black ramp front sight of the CS-1, not to mention the frame stamp .

There are several good threads about these here. By report the 3" models were carried more by field officers and the 4" (like this one) by dog handlers. Enjoy!

 

[OLDSTER]

OK I'll bite. What is a CS1 ? Is that the US Customs gun ?? In any regard, looks like you've got yourself a nice one.

 

[markeb]

You are correct. I believe the ones that were actually issued to agents had the 2M stamped on the gun, and also had Pachmayrs with the cut out on the bottom to see the serial number. Very nice CS-1 you have there. Would you care to let us know the winning bid?

By the way, mine is broken in nicely.

 

[murphydog]

OK I'll bite. What is a CS1 ? Is that the US Customs gun ?? In any regard, looks like you've got yourself a nice one.

Yes, a specific contract gun for US Customs. Many officially issued guns were destroyed after being withdrawn from service (?!) but some new guns were sold as production overruns.

By report, the first M was for the hammer nose/bushing replacement, and the 2M was for a second inspection after the M and 'probably' indicated it was an issued gun.

 

[kennyb]

I found one a couple years ago at my lgs,he had no idea what it was.Nice find,congrats!

 

[Dieseltech56]

There are also CS-1 overruns out there that won't be stamped but look just like that. The giveaway is the pinned front sight and the round butt grip. A regular 4" 686 from that time period won't have those things

 

[Jester5906]

Thanks guys. I guess I did ok on this since I only paid 530 + shipping and transfer fee. Still need to get her to the range! Oh,almost forgot to ask! What are the stickers all about? Inspection? Thanks again

 

[Dieseltech56]

My 29-3 had a sticker like that on the bottom of the grip. I took it off. Probably some kind of post assembly inspection tag

 

[markeb]

Thanks guys. I guess I did ok on this since I only paid 530 + shipping and transfer fee. Still need to get her to the range! Oh,almost forgot to ask! What are the stickers all about? Inspection? Thanks again

Oh, you did very well on that purchase. Enjoy and post back with a range report.

 

[824tsv]

CS-1

Your's and mine are contract over-run guns. Mine also has a ANS serial# prefix. I bought this new in 1987.

 

[one eye joe]

it almost looks like a faint M under the 1 of the CS1

ALL OF THE "M" STAMPS I HAVE SEEN HAVE BEEN BOLDLY STAMPED. ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE, HOWEVER......

I SENT MY 2 1/2" NO-DASH M686 IN FOR THE RECALL. INTENDED TO USE IT AS MY EDC......

WHILE IT WAS THERE, I HAD IT FITTED WITH A 7 SHOT CYLINDER. UPON ITS RETURN, THE PAPERWORK INDICATED THAT THE WORK HAD BEEN DONE---BUT THE REVOLVER HAD NOT BEEN STAMPED......

 

[CLASSIC12]

Thanks guys. I guess I did ok on this since I only paid 530 + shipping and transfer fee. Still need to get her to the range! Oh,almost forgot to ask! What are the stickers all about? Inspection? Thanks again

Congrats, nice find at a very reasonable price

My NIB 1006 had a similar inspection sticker

 

[murphydog]

Congrats, nice find at a very reasonable price

My NIB 1006 had a similar inspection sticker

Yes, likely an inspector's sticker. Sure looks like number 21's handiwork to me .

 

[Dale53]

Jester, I have the brother to yours. It has been one of the most satisfying revolvers that I have. I have used it both on the range and in the field with MUCH satisfaction. They are a near perfect field piece. Mine was used extensively for small game using full charge .38 wadcutters. Never had to shoot a rabbit twice.

You got a FINE revolver at an EXCELLENT price!

Congratulations!
Dale53

 

[vegasgunhand]

ALL OF THE "M" STAMPS I HAVE SEEN HAVE BEEN BOLDLY STAMPED. ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE, HOWEVER......

I SENT MY 2 1/2" NO-DASH M686 IN FOR THE RECALL. INTENDED TO USE IT AS MY EDC......

WHILE IT WAS THERE, I HAD IT FITTED WITH A 7 SHOT CYLINDER. UPON ITS RETURN, THE PAPERWORK INDICATED THAT THE WORK HAD BEEN DONE---BUT THE REVOLVER HAD NOT BEEN STAMPED......

The 2M stamps were done by the U.S. Customs Firearms and Training Branch in Ft. Benning, GA. When the CS-1 was discovered to be jamming because of unburned powder getting under the extractor star, the guns were modified in the Ft. Benning Branch under initial supervision of S&W personnel. Once they had been repaired, they were stamped "2M" and returned to the field.